Coal-hungry South Africa introduces carbon tax

South Africa’s treasury said the tax is part of efforts to meet the global climate change agreement negotiated in Paris in 2015 [Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters] South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law a carbon tax to cut emissions in the continent’s worst polluter. The tax, a rare step for an emerging economy, will be levied from June 1 on greenhouse gases from fuel combustion and industrial processes and emissions, the treasury said on Monday, drawing cautious praise from environmentalists. "Climate change represents one of the biggest challenges facing humankind, and the primary objective of the carbon tax is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a sustainable, cost-effective and affordable manner," the treasury said in a statement. The tax was first planned in 2010, but has been delayed due to opposition in a country struggling with low growth and unemployment at nearly 28 percent. "President Cyril Ramaphosa has communicated the urgent need for action around the climate crisis," WWF said in a statement, describing it as a landmark moment for South Africa . "While there is still much to be done for the tax to become more effective, we recognise this is a significant first step." The ministry said […]

Grant Brown is a passionate environmentalist, driven by a need to “leave it better than he found it”. This drive, combined with a capacity to understand power solutions of all types, helps him in his day job as VP Marketing at a start up clean technology company. His goal personally as well as professionally, is to help and inspire others to become a part of the green shift and to leave a positive legacy in the world.